how old are hens when they start laying?

[RAWR]

i have 5 orpingtons, 4 silverlaced, 4 barred rocks, 2 EE, 5 bamtams, 1 cochin, and 2 RIR hens. how long will it take them before they start to lay??

 

[Goose and Fig]

They'll be about 5 months old, some sooner. Don't be surprised if you get some silly eggs at first- and lots of double yolkers.

 

[RAWR]

and by silly eggs..??

 

[HorseFeathers]

Some are deformed, some are very small. (The eggs that is

)

 

[farmerlor]

I don't know about the banties and Cochins but of the other breeds you have you should start seeing eggs between 20 and 24 weeks. The EEs will probably be last to lay though I often get one or two that start about 24 weeks.

 

[RAWR]

ah, i see

 

[killer]

i got one that laid a few lillte ones. about 3/4 inch long. and some that look like a screw. the shell was twisted looking.